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http://www.fuzzy-ink.com/blogs/the-daily-growth-blog/6691732-a-day-in-the-life-of-harry2012-10-08T17:15:54-04:002012-10-08T17:15:54-04:00A Day in The Life of HarryJohn Paul
As a child I used to love to go and play in the ball pit. Harry never quite understood what I was talking about, but I have a pretty good idea that he's getting the same enjoyment that I did...even if it's plush mustaches instead.

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http://www.fuzzy-ink.com/blogs/the-daily-growth-blog/6633786-a-look-into-our-tagging-process2012-09-26T12:34:12-04:002012-09-26T12:34:12-04:00A Look Into Our Tagging ProcessJohn Paul
Today, we're giving you a more in-depth look at our inside tagging process. Demonstrating for us is our Warehouse Manager, and mustache connoisseur, Harry Fuzzybottom. Hopefully, he won't get his fur all over the place like usual. Enjoy!

We just wanted to take a minute to welcome all of you to the brand new Fuzzy Ink website! It's something that we've been wanting to do for a while and we're really pleased with how it all came together. So without further adieu, take a look around and let us know what you think. There are a ton of new products (of all kinds) that we've been hiding for quite some time so we hope that you enjoy it all.

Thanks again for all of your continued support!

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http://www.fuzzy-ink.com/blogs/the-daily-growth-blog/6596517-no-sleep-til-january2011-12-09T12:54:05-05:002012-09-17T22:46:35-04:00No Sleep 'Til JanuaryMP
With November (and Movember) finally in hibernation mode after a fan-stellar-tastic showing, we figured that perhaps it was time to take a breather and relax for the upcoming holidays...or not, deffffinitely not! As if last year's December couldn't have been crazier, someone (I won't point fingers) decided that it was somehow possible to squeeze in even more shows this year. As per 'normal' protocol, we like to involve both coasts and thank god being loopy, sleep deprived and usually smelling of children's cereal is highly accepted and welcomed for the occasions =). If you happen to find yourself in Boston, DC, Chattanooga, Portland (OR) or Los Angeles looking for funky holiday gifts this weekend, scamper over to one of our shows and prepare yourself for fun and excitement. For additional details on each location, follow the links provided on the homepage. Happy shopping and happy Friday!
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http://www.fuzzy-ink.com/blogs/the-daily-growth-blog/6596515-movember-week-thrice2011-11-23T23:12:02-05:002012-09-17T22:46:35-04:00Movember - Week ThriceMP
It's week three already and I'm assuming your staches are nothing short of godlike - thrusting lightning bolts at naysayers and capsizing dinghies on the seven seas. Sounding a bit like a broken record, the past week has continued the trend of stupendous-ness and we've had to purchase an additional industrial-sized abacus for tallying orders.

***

With the Thanksgiving holiday on deck, we're not only looking forward to collecting scraps of food in our facial fuzz (to nibble on later of course), but also wrapping up Movember with a bang. Aside from this, we've been working around the clock getting ready for the craziest of crazy Decembers with shows popping out of our ears (and other unspoken crevices). If you haven't shared a few laughs with us in the flesh yet, there's a good chance we'll be in a city near you so please don't be bashful and skip on over =)

***

Restating the facts, this year's campaign has been stellar, but we'd love to add your donation to the pile. Gala Parties will kickoff in early December, so if you'd prefer not to go naked we'd love to help you out. Have a fantastic holiday or Thursday (for those not partaking) and above all - long live the stache!

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http://www.fuzzy-ink.com/blogs/the-daily-growth-blog/6596513-movember-week-deux2011-11-15T14:48:54-05:002012-09-17T22:46:34-04:00Movember - Week DeuxMP
With week two in the history books, we're now officially halfway through Movember. Keeping consistent with the kickoff, we've seen loads of new customers from all over the globe which again means mighty donations for men's health!

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Although things have been moving steadily forward, like any small business (or business in general) we've hit a few snags along the way. Like I briefly mentioned in last week's installment, we slightly underestimated the number of cookie cutters we'd need for the campaign. To add to this, a percentage of said cutters arrived in a condition below our lofty standards of quality. As a company that prides themselves on delivering top-notch products, we figured it wasn't in our or your (the customers) best interest to send something that was below this level and thus the decision was made to hold off on sending out some of the orders until the new shipment arrived.

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Additionally, we've had a few issues with sizing inconsistencies for our Movember-specific t-shirts. Having used the same manufacturer from the beginning, we were a bit tickled with the horrific timing of this snag, but rolling with the punches as we must we've pumped up our quality control to eliminate this concern completely. Please keep in mind though, that our shirts are made to have a more athletic and 'snug' fit; also, we use a blend of thinner materials, not because it's a cheap substitute (far from it =), but because based on customer input it's the softest, most comfortable and preferred shirt overall.

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Finally, we continue to get a lot of emails regarding shipping, timelines and all things related. As a company that orders a ton of things (literally) from all over the world, we fully understand the frustration of waiting...and waiting...and waiting some more for things to arrive, especially when you needed them yesterday. Unfortunately, even after we've run a marathon to ensure each and every package is shipped on time, once the US Postal Service has the stuff all we can do is cross our fingers, toes, arms, legs, eyes, etc. and hope things move expediently =)

***

Our apologies for the serious vibe this post may have, but we thought it was paramount to be open and honest with the people that drive our brand. As a company 100% reliant on customers like you (yes you, the person sipping their tea and listening to 10,000 Maniacs in the background), we feel it's important to keep an open dialogue with the mothers, fathers, students, teachers, prime ministers, etc. who call themselves fans of Fuzzy Ink. Although some people seem to think we're this omnipotent machine growing larger and larger every time the sun rises, the truth is less than a handful of people have a hand in our humble operation. Our goal is to maintain a down to earth, approachable feel and for people to understand that if you have questions, concerns or input you feel is noteworthy, that we're here and we're listening. In life you only get one first impression with people, so you better make it a good one eh? =)...BRING ON WEEK THREE!!!

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http://www.fuzzy-ink.com/blogs/the-daily-growth-blog/6596511-movember-wrap-up-week-oneish2011-11-10T02:49:58-05:002012-09-17T22:46:34-04:00Movember Wrap Up - Week One(ish)MP
The first week or so of Movember has been nothing short of spectacular. Not only have our expectations been stream-rolled, but they've also been torched, harpooned, rubberband-gunned and literally blown out of the water by deep sea torpedoes. Business has been good - nay great - and because of that charitable donations are equally through the roof.

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As fairly intelligent business owners (hold off on the jabs for later =), we do what we can to have contingency plans in place in case situations get sticky and taffy-like. With this being said, there's no way we (or more specifically our site) could have fully prepared for what was to come our way. Needless to say, on roughly day 4 our site got overwhelmed and perhaps a little overheated and decided to take a short breather. After making a few short phone calls and some upgrades we were back in the game.

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It's apparent that the great United States embraces the mustache during the month of November, but (no offense) it's a candle to the sun when compared to the founding juggernaut that is Australia. These buggers eat and sleep mustache - literally by the bowlful sans utensils. Add to this the other great land masses that participate in this joyous movement and you have one heck of a populous. One would never guess this, but a commonality among each is that they love making and baking cookies - and then devouring them. We assumed having hundreds of cookie cutters on hand would suffice for the consumer base and campaign in general, but we were wrong - dead wrong! Having to put this classy item on back order wasn't in the cards, but again sometimes you have to roll with the punches.

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In summation, the first small chunk of this delightful month has been eye-opening and we're doing our mustachioed-best to fulfill all orders and answer any customer queries. Shirts are being restocked on a daily basis, a new load of cookie cutters are moving ever closer to our warehouse and new items are being secretly constructed for the December craft fair extravaganza. The fuzzy wheels are in motion and we can't thank everyone enough for supporting such a monumental cause. Arm your battle staches and let's continue firing away at week two!

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http://www.fuzzy-ink.com/blogs/the-daily-growth-blog/6596509-wait-what2011-11-09T22:51:37-05:002012-09-17T22:46:33-04:00Wait, What?!MP
Perusing the twitter feed while crunching on a bowl of cereal this morning, I came across a friend's link that seemed somewhat relevant to the times. I'm still trying to decide if it's shockingly amazing or amazingly shocking, but either way it'll certainly make you adjust your expression =). Enjoy you mustached maniacs moustair.tumblr.com
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http://www.fuzzy-ink.com/blogs/the-daily-growth-blog/6596507-having-a-moustache2011-11-04T12:25:02-04:002012-09-17T22:46:32-04:00Having a Moustache...MP
One of our delightful friends informed us of this delectable video and it was only fair we share it with the rest of the world. Let it be known though, that here at the Fuzzy Ink HQ's we respect and embrace all mustaches...rigid and real or fraudulent and fake ;). Grab a handful of junior mints and enjoy!

With Movember right around the corner, we figured it made sense to showcase some of the terrific and delicious photos we've received leading up to the festivities. Utilizing our very own cookie cutters, in flawless fashion I might add, these guys are nothing short of classy-tastic. Start spreading the stache and more importantly global awareness for men's health issues!

After a very long absence from our blog, I think it's time for us to get back into the swing of things. I can't believe that it's already been a year since our last post, but boy have things changed since then. From here on out we'll be doing our very best to keep everyone up to date on all of our happenings as well as what the future of mustaches will be for us.

We'll be back soon, but for now we'll leave you with our arsenal of mustaches, mmmm.

This weekend (10/30 and 10/31) we'll be constructing leaf forts in two familiar and prime locations. The first is the delectable Eastern Market in Washington, DC; taking place Saturday and Sunday between 9am and 5pm, you'll be hard fought to find a better plethora of interesting and obscure objects.

We'll also be launching soft clothing bombs at the Sowa Open Market in Boston, MA. Running Sunday from 10am to 4pm, this is the ABSOLUTE LAST show of the season (until next May) and thus being Halloween will be set up as the Market of the Living Dead. Grab your spooky costumes (for cash-money prizes), dancing shoes and carving knives and zombie-walk on over to one of the most eventful markets of the year!

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http://www.fuzzy-ink.com/blogs/the-daily-growth-blog/6596499-the-fuzzy-ink-printing-process2010-10-15T11:33:38-04:002012-09-17T22:46:28-04:00The Fuzzy Ink Printing ProcessFuzziest
Ever wonder how we print our shirts? We put this video together to show the detail orientated step by step process we go through to make each Fuzzy Ink tee we sell.

Yea, we could probably order them in bulk from China, but that's not our way of doing things. We hope you enjoy.

This weekend (10/16 and 10/17) we'll be scooting our behinds to three stellar places in the east. To start things off, we'll be canoodling with folks of all kinds during the season-ending Providence Open Market on Saturday from 10am to 4pm in (you guessed it) Providence, RI. Do yourself (and us) a favor and mosey on over to Lippitt Park to support the handmade generation!

Additionally, we'll be chucking shirts at people at the Sowa Open Market in Boston, MA. Running Sunday from 10am to 4pm, this event is also getting close to the wire so come peruse solo (or grab a friend / stranger / strange friend) and support the artsy peeps.

Finally, we'll be setting up our mustache hideout at the always great Eastern Market in Washington, DC; taking place Saturday and Sunday between 9am and 5pm, you're sure to get a jump-start on the holiday season inching closer and closer.

This weekend (10/2 and 10/3) we'll be taking our services to three lovely places in the east. To start things off, we'll be slinging our stuff at the always great Eastern Market in Washington, DC; taking place Saturday and Sunday between 9am and 5pm, you're sure to find some delightful gifts and treasures for the taking.

Next, we'll be setting up shop on Mt. Vernon Ave. at the 15th annual Art On The Avenue in Alexandria, VA. Running Saturday from 10am to 6pm rain or shine, this event will showcase a plethora of craftiness, as well as music and food galore, so skip on by and say hello.

Lastly, we'll be participating in the amazing shopping frenzy that is Crafty Bastards in the Adams Morgan section of Washington, DC. Open for business Saturday from 10am to 5pm, this 7th annual extravaganza is known for being one of the craziest and cool craft fairs in the southeast!; throw on your walking shoes and come party hearty with us kind fellas.

Just to keep everyone in the continuous loop, here's where we'll be square-dancing around this lovely weekend (9/25 and 9/26). A few shady individuals will be holding down the fort in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC for the Eastern Market (taking place Saturday and Sunday from around 9am - 5pm each day); spaces change daily for each vendor so have a blast with a crafty game of hide and seek.

Additionally, we'll be laying down some old refrigerator boxes and break dancing / slingin' shirts at a very special SoWa Open Market (South End Open Studios) in Boston, MA. Running Saturday and Sunday from 10am - 5pm, this event will showcase a fantastic mix of artistic mediums likely sparking nirvana-esque sensations and related. Don't miss out kids!

We're quite excited to partner with the fantastic Movember Foundation. What exactly is Movember you ask - well, it's a delightful non-profit with the vision of raising awareness, as well as loads of cash (through donations), for men's health issues to benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) and LIVESTRONG. Started in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia, the November event has current global participation in 6 countries and eclipsed an astounding $42 million dollars in donations during the 2009 campaign.

In order to do our part in assisting the fellow mustache connoisseurs, we designed 4 Movember-specific shirts - Mo Love, Clockwork Orchestra, A Winged Welcoming and Nighttime Nuzzle - in which $5 from each sale will be donated to this lovely cause. Additionally, we donated a considerable number of Fuzzies and gift certaficates to be awarded to the Mo Bro and Mo Sista victors at the countrywide Gala Partes.

Although the growing portion of this fabulous frenzy doesn't kickoff until November, the registration / donation doors are now open. I think it's safe to say that everyone has been affected in some way by cancer-related issues, so grab your recruiting bat and step up to the plate; let's all help save some lives and have a bunch of fun while doing it!

What's thick, bushy and worn by tons and tons of wonderful people worldwide during November? - a Movember mustache of course - and we here at the Fuzzy Ink lair are delighted to announce that we've teamed up with this great organization to help raise awareness and funds for men's health issues (specifically the bully cancer).

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Brief History Lesson:

~2003 - Started by a few guys in Melbourne, Australia to jokingly bring back the Mo (mustache)

~2004 - Inspired by the women's breast cancer awareness movement, a campaign evolved focused on raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer; 432 Mo Bros participated in the inaugural event, raising over $55,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia

~2006 -Adding Beyondblue as a beneficiary, Mo Bros and Mo Sistas hit the growing scene hard and raised over $6 million worldwide

We figured that now was as good of a time as any to start revealing our weekly show schedule and boy do we have a doozie coming up. Starting tomorrow, we'll be slinging our hairy wearables at Arts On Foot in downtown DC's Penn Quarter centered around 7th St. and F St. NW. The show, running from Wednesday (9/8) to Saturday (9/11) (11am - 7pm W-F / 'til 6pm Sat.), will showcase a plethora of multimedia happenings and is sure to be a grand ole time.

The second show we'll be partaking in is Renegade Chicago; holding Division St. hostage (between Damen and Paulina) in the Wicker Park section, this event is always a fantastic draw for killer food, music and vendors galore. The flagship location for everything Renegade, organizers and volunteers alike never miss a beat so we expect nothing short of monumental success in the form of spectator pleasantness and pizza thickness!

Last but certainly not least, we'll be setting up shop at the Adams Morgan Day Festival located along 18th St. in downtown DC. Kicking off for the 32nd time, this show promises to be a celebration of creativity ignited by the synergy of diverse cultures. So with this being said, lace up your shoes, throw your camera in your bag and come dance around like an idiot with the rest of us on what should be a wonderfully sunny Sunday afternoon and evening.

Just a sidebar as you're probably wondering how we can possibly be in so many places at the same time; the answer my friends is easy...magic...good day.

The last few weeks have been rather hectic as we've entered the 'heavy' portion of the craft season. With destinations in Boston, DC, Baltimore, LA and San Francisco, just to name a few, we're hitting the road (and we're hitting it hard my friend). Anywho, a couple of weeks ago we participated in Indie Art By The Sea at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island. What can we say about that experience? Well, only good things. The weather was fantastic, the scenery superb and the people in attendance were nothing short of terrific. We leave you with some pictures from the day including a jolly old castle!

Hey guys and gals...sorry for the delay in posts, but we've been up to our armpits in weekly shows and such. To add to the mix, we were lucky enough to sneak into the ever brilliant Renegade Brooklyn and are currently meandering in that direction now. This show was basically the kick-off to acquiring some phenomenal crafter friends (all of whom we still canoodle with today), so Brooklyn is quite near and dear to our lil hearts =). Anywho, as their banner ad points out, the show will feature over 300 artists from around the globe and will take place in McCarren Park (Brooklyn) from 11am - 7pm tomorrow and Sunday ; be there or be a jerk and don't come at all (even if you do come we'll prob. throw a variety of soft fruits and veggies at you though). Also, keep your darn fingers crossed for delicious weather and perhaps an occasional windstorm full of $20 bills and dollar coins. Seacrest Out.

Finally, the lovely time of year has reached where all the DIY-ers can run around like giddy school children (clothing optional) without getting those 'what-the-heck-am-I-watching' expressions from onlookers; that's right folks, it's stinkin' craft season and we're starting off strong with the oh-so-wonderful Renegade crew in a pristine new Austin location! Now before we get ahead of ourselves, it's important to point out that first time locations aren't always the biggest of draws, BUT if the other Renegade shows scattered among a number of delicious states are any indication, this should be another home-run for the exceptional talent attending. Sooo, if you're going to be around the Palmer Event Center this weekend (5/15-5/16), or even if you're not, I would highly advise taking a gander at what will be nothing short of sensational offerings in a plethora of categories.

Additionally, and not to be overshadowed, the SOWA Open Market will also be kicking off their 7th season this weekend in the always-trendy Boston, MA. While one part of Fuzzy Ink will be dancing around the Renegade booths in muggy Austin, another will be galavanting the northeastern streets in nothing but a Red Sox cap (that may be a lie). Although we don't expect everyone to make both shows this weekend (slackers =) you should really do yourself a favor and skip on down to one if the timing / vicinity fits (as both shows are FREE of charge). We hope to see a ton of your smiling faces!!!...and I suppose frowners are welcome too, but don't make it a habit!

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http://www.fuzzy-ink.com/blogs/the-daily-growth-blog/6596479-cuddle-monsters2010-04-24T10:16:14-04:002012-09-17T22:46:18-04:00Cuddle MonstersMP
So after finally getting back to North Carolina after a three day drive, I returned to find Zoey (the cat) canoodling with her new beau Archibald (the monster) on MY bed!!! At first I was a little steamed, but honestly who can stay mad at that image longer than a few seconds. Certain apologies were made and then we all watched a few episodes of Silver Spoon to warm our hearts.

The glorious Archibald (Archie) was birthed by the artist-extraordinaire Diane Koss who may or may not be helping us with a little side project (wink wink). Excitement?!?!

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http://www.fuzzy-ink.com/blogs/the-daily-growth-blog/6596477-the-grandest-of-canyons2010-04-21T15:59:53-04:002012-09-17T22:46:11-04:00The Grandest of CanyonsMP
As my trip slowly wound down, I finally made it to the mecca of sightseeing spots - the Grandy Canyon. I would love to describe how monumental this crack in the earth was, but words honestly can't do it justice; it's really one of those things where you have to see it in order to inhale all of the awesome floating in the air. Anyways, after looking over a few of the hikes downward, I decided to go with the one that the ranger said I didn't have enough time for in the day =). Needless to say, since I'm typing this now (as a human and not a howling ghost) - Mike 1, Ranger 0.

A view from the top right before I made my descent; I did the trail that goes right to the tip of the cliff (upper middle of the picture).

Some of the stair-like terrain scattered among the hike; not surprising my shoes and socks became similar in color.

Part of the Indian Garden camping site roughly 4.5 miles into the canyon; a great place to take a breather and replenish the h2o.

Right before I reached the apex of the site and chewed on a few sticks of jerky, mmm.

Next time I'll def. pack my camping stuff and mosey on down to the Colorado River; not shown, I spotted 4 rafting groups taking on a few of the rapids.

Taking a quick breather to absorb the view and some calories before sprinting back up to the southern rim (yum yum).

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http://www.fuzzy-ink.com/blogs/the-daily-growth-blog/6596473-checking-out-the-red-rocks2010-04-17T09:44:28-04:002012-09-17T22:45:16-04:00Checking Out the Red RocksMP
After checking out some things in the Scottsdale / Tempe / Phoenix area, I made my way north to beautiful Sedona to see the famous red rocks. It had been far too long since I got in a good hike, so this was just what the doctor ordered. Most of the trails were pretty heavily marked as well, so I only had to off-road it a few times for better views.

The lengthy wooden bridge dropping you off into Red Rock State Park.

Some delectable rock formations off in the distance; I would have loved to have made my way over and up them!

A nice view from the top of one of a few summits; two things to consider though: I would advise against white shoes and I would consider hiking in something other than running shoes.

A quick shot of me somewhat smiley right before a neck-tied bear decided to snag my bag lunch =(

A view from the tippy top of everything; I actually had to do a bit of free climbing to get to this point, but it was def. worth it with the panoramic view. Overall, the place was an absolute gem and I really only saw a handful of people during my many hours there.

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http://www.fuzzy-ink.com/blogs/the-daily-growth-blog/6596471-zooing-it-up2010-04-14T11:44:32-04:002012-09-17T22:44:35-04:00Zooing It UpMP
After getting settled in the Scottsdale area, I was roped into checking out the Phoenix Zoo. I must note that as an animal lover I absolutely enjoy seeing a plethora of wildlife up close and personal, but I can't say that I'm super smiley about the prison-cell size of some of the housing quarters. Nonetheless, it was a really enjoyable day and I got loads of great pictures, along with a super sexy farmer's tan =P

This majestic beast was giving me the bedroom eyes the minute I came into sight.

These little guys were absolutely hilarious, tackling and fighting each other during the entirety of our stop; additionally, they both looked to have wee white mustaches (future Fuzzy Ink models perhaps?!)

Yeah yeah, who hasn't seen a billion flamingos; well, my camera certainly doesn't do it justice, but the whole flock had this wonderfully vivid orange-pink color (plus they have chicken legs like myself so back off =)

Supposedly, the tortoises were all over 100 years old which helped to explain the adult diapers and nonstop war stories; I jest, but there is something really powerful about that prehistoric look they pull off oh so well.

For me, the anteaters stole the show; this particular one was strutting around the entire time and made me wonder when exactly they became so crazy cool?! I would have uploaded my video, but the loading time was giving me convulsions; maybe I'll try again soon.

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http://www.fuzzy-ink.com/blogs/the-daily-growth-blog/6596469-arizona-adventures2010-04-11T11:24:19-04:002012-09-17T22:44:01-04:00Arizona AdventuresMP
So after a fantastic time in Austin, I was off to Scottsdale, AZ via the western Texas / New Mexico route. For those of you unfamiliar with this section of the US, the posted speed limit rises to a rather quick 80 mph and thus mostly everyone on the road is hovering around 90. In its defense though, the terrain is pretty flat and straight with sections of beauty and brilliance (among the somewhat boring and monotonous desert qualities).

A glance at the New Mexico scenery through my bug-covered windshield; my experience was somewhat soured though, as I was caught in a speed-trap with out-of-state plates.

Having reached Scottsdale, I celebrated my bday in style with a delicious artery-clogging ice cream cake; how am I possibly this close to thirty already?!

With a million golf courses around the area, we tried our luck at one of the cheaper ones; here's a look at my playing partner and one of the two demon drivers =)

When checking out new places, it's always interesting to see the common animal-life roaming around; these somewhat domesticated suckers are literally everywhere bouncing around for a grassy snack.

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http://www.fuzzy-ink.com/blogs/the-daily-growth-blog/6596463-more-adventures-in-austin2010-04-08T19:10:00-04:002012-09-17T22:43:35-04:00More Adventures in AustinMP
Let me just reinforce the fact that Austin was an uber chill and relaxing place to hang for a bit. I took a few strolls into the Southern Congress (SoCo) area and munched on a ton of delectable foods and snacks. I can't really put my finger on it, but there really was something enchanting about the place; above anything else, I just got a ton of positive vibes from everyone and everything I encountered and I can't wait to pop back into town in the very near future.

I stayed with my friend Nate and his cohorts at his lovely abode just outside the city.

Here's a good look at my work station / sleeping quarters; yes, that is a huge box of legos. Jealous?!

One of the many interesting stores in the SoCo district; why didn't I think about a jackrabbit-riding cowboy?!

Another fancy building-topper in SoCo; I hope that dress comes in an 8 =)

We took a lengthy stroll down a section of the Colorado river; it was an excellent adventure and really the first time in months I've enjoyed a good paddle (although technically I wasn't paddling during the picture-taking ;)